Hello, contractors and handymen! I have an article in the works that I'd absolutely love your input on. The title of the piece is "Contractors swear by these bougie upgrades that are so damn cheap," and it'll be published on Mic, likely during the second weekend of October. As per usual, any sort of product picks must be sourced from Amazon, and preferably under $50 in cost (but, exceptions can be made if it's a very strong product). For this one, we're looking for specific pieces that can help elevate the way a home looks. Whether it's an easy way to boost aesthetics (like peel-and-stick products) or a piece of decor to change the vibe into something more expensive-looking, I'd love to hear your suggestions. Here's what I'll need: 1. Name, job title, and company you're working with (if not just yourself). Also, a good site that I can link to that helps prove your employment/that you aren't a bot. 2. Amazon products that fit the description that you can vouch for. The more, the better, to avoid overlap. It's also great to include a few sentences as to why it's a personal favorite, as those quotes really give these types of pieces legs. 3. Permission as to whether or not you'd be open to a product swap later. If this piece gets republished and your initial choice is no longer available, we do try to swap for a product as similar as possible. But, if you'd prefer we didn't, that's okay too! Just let me know.

1. My name is Eli Zimmer and I am Director of Operations of Luxaire HVAC Services. Here is my company's website: https://luxairehvacservices.com/ and my personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-zimmer-97032987/ 2. Working in the HVAC field, a type of product I would recommend is a decorative thermostat cover. Thermostats can be a bit of an eyesore, so decorative covers help them blend in with your interior design, and there are definitely inexpensive options out there, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Nest-Thermostat-Decorative-Wall-Plate/dp/B07K2HGDGR/ref=sr_1_17?crid=1J1YHR7R48H9W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q-wFA4m4OaF3HzsAGadd2cM1DGn-pXpLZzb54Y98mXCbRvk_KLkI5kLEhsWoXZ_uWpUu3Eom1lbFIKXTDfdDkRceltmtanaeQPKWFsv2GMTzT_M5gTXv9k-baxqE0MxFSdTktFcU2UchzzGr0Bq7B1FoIAnU43A5M_jLMjNEyvOjoA-CVjo9643Xm01QdNoNJGefSdbiCrfiIotmj7nX-h5uRblg4YYQqMXChzH2CGPaNPzv3vRSMYBnAwmD7jkP5Qe-6ZgraQR07ogqvc9NvGTz_6FBcAnUn5F_aqXqSQk.q0D2wdrtSmbivSLdATRQyQahNPH1gv_NFuN_VvmZd00&dib_tag=se&keywords=decorative+thermostat+covers&qid=1759251010&s=amazon-devices&sprefix=decorativethermostat+covers%2Camazon-devices%2C138&sr=1-17 . It's simple, inexpensive, and adds a great decorative touch to any room. 3. You can definitely swap out the product I recommended if you want/need to! There are a handful of good choices, this is just one option.

My name is Rassan Grant. I am the founder of Norstone - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rassangrant/ Peel-and-stick tiles are definitely a kind of product that fits the bill here. You can use these for your kitchen backsplash or even for floor tiles. The great thing about them is how inexpensive they are and how easy they are to remove. That makes them renter-friendly, and it allows you to change things up more often because their removable nature makes them less of a commitment. Here is an example of peel-and-stick backsplash tiles: https://www.amazon.com/Art3d-10-Sheet-Backsplash-Adhesive-Bathroom/dp/B0D46VWV2N/ref=sr_1_8?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FA1msItTOjbnx3ymxqa3oy8yzygtCcuJsDrPTL1O5sME1PuQ2_Q_-l66h82G1WOYI5QmlTZA9lIje1DAuvekykW1henfk-TyBwih2hRuESfByXM_mF_lpyrw7GyO19MC9Sxir5jX6MZ0h2PnEmFYb-i_f53oOUe58Nk_cYRIDFTW6c_cNGdLsdX-f0XW5ppa7hXGvPZNcIyTKkOmvWVzr3X_E4I5fax42bVr-xQe8CoTehLZEmAr3IdAE1hqfet_GelRsAvpQa3v_QeJAbO-RQs7GSWUUv3PQs6u0KMgJLg.0th64r32zFS9zWJPxlsPYgWfd6j3UA-HzJ04Kqn3mFg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=694323446317&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9217006&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14100487581006086180--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14100487581006086180&hvtargid=kwd-471618817814&hydadcr=24598_13626592&keywords=peel%2B%26%2Bstick%2Bbacksplash%2Bfor%2Bkitchen&mcid=26fafcf3c595316eacd9a1ec2d9d14ac&qid=1759255960&sr=8-8&th=1 Here is an example of peel-and-stick floor tiles: https://www.amazon.com/FloorPops-Chris-Loves-Bonneville-FP5061/dp/B0CMB7XG4R/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2T6LT3WZPCPXB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sTT-ykEVO-XgeVLSHywb7OF3xnqD62Dnqx4yrbxnUpnQTtKarqDbObRK0l7nmawL32UVLsYVeTTPPbAEF_9rM77grSF-8E89cQgU7bKkvDMn6r8cSAjqCUEZDEL-Eg_mI4uTTNys-mmmsYIPHBO1PAEaFnhZlqxmpYppk7Bo_hJwGfNg_VGq1EJH7K057qLkVxqdmx-nRBv_iQ5SRglsH_lhWeqaCo1zhLPrc3TcHGulyex6u_rW7CFrnzWBa8Jix6UiGAEPGJoz4IuNJo-ZHrhwutnEFVfVsbOyko67EvY.3slVhyLjDtXWZUBgV2tIdU-MoGmG9ATk-itFDCTjpAU&dib_tag=se&keywords=peel%2B%26%2Bstick%2Bfloor%2Btiles&qid=1759256014&sprefix=peel%2B%26%2Bstick%2Bflooor%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1 Feel free to use other examples!

Artificial turf on small patios or on small side yards is one of those upgrades that will keep surprising people with the level of impact it can create in my practice. A strip of turf will tidy it in a second and make it appear to have been planned, instead of an area of the dead. The LOOBANI Synthetic Artificial Turf Roll 4 ft x 6 ft is a good option and can be purchased on Amazon for under $50 and can be cut and placed with outdoor adhesive. This is a low-cost installation relative to new sod or complete landscaping and it also changes the overall appearance instantly. I like to cut turf insets between stone pavers or concrete, especially in pool decks or in front door steps. It provides the impression of space that disrupts the hardscape and renders everything engineered. A reliable material in this instance is the Turf 3/4 in. Putt Lawn 10 ft x 3 ft by Big Jim which is thick and can withstand footing. My team has been using it on small inserts around stone paths and clients will often comment that it is like a touch on a more expensive landscape project even though it is one of the least expensive changes that we perform.

One upgrade that I've always advised about is the peel and stick subway tiles from Amazon. For less than $40 a set, they instantly elevate the look of a kitchen or bathroom - you literally can make a space look like it has been fully remodeled. I've put these in rental units and the difference in the perceived value was significant based on the cost. Another tried and true favorite is matte black cabinet pulls and handles. For about $25, swapping out dated cabinet hardware can take it from average to custom material without damaging any of the woodwork. Similarly, adding LED under cabinet strip lights is an easy upgrade you can add to any kitchen that creates a modern luxury feel. They take a few minutes to install, all while giving you the feeling of hiring a designer lighting plan! I have no problem swapping something out later as long as the replacement looks and acts very similar.